Longford Town suffer another defeat as second half goals clinch win for Dundalk

Aodh Dervin pictured in action for Longford Town against Dundalk opponent Patrick Hoban at Oriel Park Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Aodh Dervin pictured in action for Longford Town against Dundalk opponent Patrick Hoban at Oriel Park Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division - Round 34

Dundalk . . . 2 Longford Town . . . 0

Preparing for a return to the First Division next season, relegated Longford made it difficult for Dundalk with the game scoreless at the break but the deadlock was eventually broken with less than a minute gone in the second half.

After connecting with a left wing cross from Michael Duffy, striker Patrick Hoban directed a header into the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.

The killer second goal for Dundalk materialised in the 53rd minute when a shot from Sean Murray from just outside the box found a way past Town keeper Lee Steacy to clinch all three valuable points for the home side and keep alive their outside chance of a place in Europe.

Longford play their last home game of the season on Saturday night next when Waterford come to Bishopsgate and the final Premier Division fixture is away to Finn Harps on Friday November 19.

DUNDALK: Peter Cherrie; Cameron Dummigan, Daniel Cleary, Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy; Greg Sloggett (Sam Stanton 12), Will Patching; Daniel Kelly (David McMillan 59), Sean Murray (Sami Ben Amar 73), Michael Duffy; Patrick Hoban.

LONGFORD TOWN: Lee Steacy; Shane Elworthy, Mick McDonnell, Aaron O’Driscoll, Paddy Kirk; Rob Manley, Aodh Dervin, Aaron Robinson, Darragh Nugent (Conor Davis 82), Dylan Grimes (Karl Chambers 63); Dean Williams (Matthew O’Brien 82).

Referee: Adriano Reale (Kildare).